Train driver killers ‘must get life’

The United National Transport Union (Untu) pleaded with the High Court in the Western Cape to impose life jail terms on the two gang members convicted on Thursday for the 2016 murder and armed robbery of train driver, Piet Botha.

“The court needs to make an example of these two and send out a clear message that attacks on employees of the Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa), irrespective of where they are working, will not be tolerated.

“The senseless murder of Botha was one of hundreds of horrendous attacks on employees of Prasa ranging from murder, attempted murder, attempted rape, armed robbery, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, intimidation, kidnapping and assault. Enough is enough,” said Steve Harris, Untu general secretary.

Botha was shot dead in broad daylight on the platform of Netreg Station on the line between Cape Town and Khayelitsha in the Western Cape. He was robbed of his bag and his cellphone. Jatheme Hamid, 18, and Dorian Diedericks, 19, members of the Young Dixie Boys gang in Bonteheuwel, were found guilty of murder, robbery and possession of an illegal firearm, among other charges. The case was postponed to June 19 for a probation officer’s report. – ANA

The court needs to make an example of these two gang members and send out a clear message that attacks on Prasa staff will not be tolerated.

Steve Harris Untu general secretary